The national cabinet has agreed to a $925 million fund that will provide $5000 to women escaping domestic violence, as part of a suite of reforms.
Women looking to escape violent relationships will be able to access $5000 in financial support through an almost $1 billion package, as part of national cabinet measures tackling violence against women.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with state and territory leaders on measures to reduce gendered violence.
Under the reforms, the federal government will provide $925 million over five years to set up the Leaving Violence Program, which will provide financial aid and support referrals to women looking to get out of dangerous situations.
The measures will be funded in the federal budget in May.
Watch: Women and violence: The hidden numbers. Post continues after video.
Those eligible will be able to access $5000 in support and receive access to referral services and risk assessments.
The national cabinet also agreed to implement measures aimed at addressing misogyny online, specifically aimed at young people.
As part of the move, laws will be introduced that will ban the creation and distribution of deepfake pornography.
A pilot program will be set up for age assurance technology to block access for children to online content such as pornography.
A review of the online safety act will also be carried out a year ahead of schedule.
The national cabinet will hold a further meeting on domestic and family violence in the next financial quarter.
Mr Albanese said tangible action was needed to address the issues.
"This is indeed a national crisis, and it's a national challenge, and we're facing this with a spirit of national unity," he told reporters in Sydney. "We want to change this in a way in which we all have to take responsibility, because violence against women is not a women's problem to solve, it's a whole of society problem.
"Men in particular have to take responsibility."
The snap national cabinet meeting follows after more than 100,000 people marched the streets in 17 towns over the weekend to protest against men's violence against men.
Organiser Sarah Williams pleaded with the government to allow her access to today's meeting - or at least invite others with lived experience, or organisations on the frontline of the problem.
They were denied.
Williams was forced to release a statement after the weekend's events because of an incident involving Albanese, that somewhat detracted from the marches themselves.
Albanese attracted criticism for reportedly "lying" to the crowd during an impromptu speech he was heckled to give at the Canberra gathering.
"We did ask to speak, myself and (Finance Minister) Katy (Gallagher) and we were told that’s not possible," he began.
"And that’s fine, we respect the organisers’ right to do that."
Williams burst into tears after the comments, writing later that, "Albanese's office made it clear that he was just walking and was not interested in speaking. Myself and What Were You Wearing (MWWY) never denied him from speaking. He never asked to speak."
She added, "For him to not only demand he speak because he was being heckled, but lie was disgraceful. He demonstrated today what entitlement looks like. A man with power trying to diminish a vulnerable young woman".
The other comment that has people's hackles raised, is Albanese's retort that "I'm the Prime Minister of the country, I run this country," when Williams asked the crowd if she should let him speak.
What Were You Wearing is planning more action after the turnout at the weekend in the form of a national strike on May 20th. Keep up to date with their Instagram for updates here.
Read more of our domestic violence coverage here:
- How to have a conversation with a man in your life about domestic violence.
- The 'man or bear' test that says everything about violence against women.
- 'Men, if you're not part of the domestic violence solution, you're part of the problem.'
- What you need to know about AVOs and whether they actually work.
With AAP.
Feature image: @whatwereyouwearing_
If this has raised any issues for you, or if you just feel like you need to speak to someone, please call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service.
Mamamia is a charity partner of RizeUp Australia, a national organisation that helps women, children and families move on after the devastation of domestic and family violence. Their mission is to deliver life-changing and practical support to these families when they need it most. If you would like to support their mission you can donate here.
Top Comments